The Ultimate Guide to the Best Carry-On Luggage in 2025: Travel Smarter, Not Harder

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Traveling can be an adventure, but wrestling with luggage shouldn't be part of the journey. Imagine gliding through airports, your trusty carry-on by your side, knowing your essentials are safe, secure, and right where you need them. Forget baggage claim nightmares and unexpected fees; the right carry-on is your ticket to stress-free travel.

For over a decade, we've been on a mission to find the perfect travel companion. We've rigorously tested, packed, and wheeled 67 bags from over 35 brands, putting them through the paces of real-world travel. After countless miles and meticulous evaluations, we've pinpointed the carry-on luggage that truly stands above the rest.

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Our Top Recommendations at a Glance:

• Best Soft-Sided Carry-On: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Carry-On Spinner – The all-around champion for value, durability, and features.
• Best Hard-Sided Carry-On: Away The Carry-On – Stylish, durable, and well-balanced hard-sided option.
• Budget Pick: Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Carry-On Spinner – Lightweight and surprisingly feature-rich for the price.
• Upgrade Soft-Sided: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" Carry-On Expandable Spinner – Unrivaled quality, innovative design, and lifetime warranty.
• Upgrade Hard-Sided: Carl Friedrik The Carry-On – Luxurious materials, enhanced security, and refined aesthetics.
• Best for Tough Conditions: Yeti Crossroads 35L Wheeled Luggage – Rugged and durable for challenging terrains.

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Why You Should Trust Our Carry-On Luggage Expertise

Various carry-on luggage wheels on different surfaces

When it comes to luggage reviews, you deserve more than just surface-level opinions. At ClixNest, we're dedicated to providing in-depth, hands-on testing and expert analysis. Our lead reviewer, a seasoned travel writer with over ten years of experience covering luggage and travel gear, has personally:

• Tested Hundreds of Bags: From budget-friendly options to high-end luxury models, we've explored a vast range of carry-on luggage to bring you the very best.
• Consulted Industry Experts: We've engaged with flight attendants, luggage designers, and travel gurus to gain insider knowledge and understand the critical features that matter most to travelers.
• Maintained Editorial Independence: Our reviews are unbiased and driven solely by product performance. We are not influenced by brand partnerships or advertising pressures.
• Uphold Ethical Standards: We adhere to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring no conflicts of interest and complete transparency in our review process.

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How We Picked and Tested the Best Carry-On Luggage

Tester meticulously packing a carry-on suitcase with various clothing items and travel essentials

Our quest for the best carry-on luggage is a comprehensive and demanding one. We go far beyond simple visual inspections, immersing ourselves in real-world testing scenarios. Our rigorous methodology includes:

• Over 200 Hours of Research and Interviews: We delve into market trends, analyze competitor products, and consult with industry experts to define the crucial criteria for top-performing carry-on luggage.
• Double the Time in Hands-On Testing: We don't just look at the bags; we live with them. Testers pack, unpack, wheel, lift, and maneuver each bag through simulated travel environments, mimicking the challenges of airports, city streets, and various terrains.
• Weight and Dimension Verification: We meticulously measure and weigh each bag, comparing our findings to manufacturer specifications to ensure accuracy and identify any discrepancies.
• Capacity Testing with Ping-Pong Balls (Yes, Really!): To objectively quantify internal capacity, we utilize a unique method involving hundreds of Ping-Pong balls and precise mathematical calculations, providing a clear understanding of usable space.
• Packing Simulation for Real-World Trips: Our testers, both male and female, pack each bag as if preparing for a five-day wedding trip, incorporating a realistic mix of clothing, shoes, toiletries, and accessories. This reveals practical packing capacity and organizational features.
• Maneuverability and Durability Assessments: We subject the luggage to rigorous obstacle courses, testing wheel performance on diverse surfaces (carpet, pavement, cobblestones, grass), stair climbing ability, and overall handling in tight spaces.
• "Torture Tests" for Frame and Component Integrity: We push the limits of each bag, simulating rough handling and airline conditions. This includes stress-testing handles, wheels, zippers, and frames to identify weaknesses and assess long-term durability.
• User Panel Feedback: In our latest testing round, we incorporated feedback from a diverse panel of paid testers with varying body types and mobility levels to gather a broader spectrum of user experiences and refine our recommendations.

Through this meticulous and multifaceted testing process, we confidently identify the carry-on luggage that truly excels in quality, durability, functionality, and value.

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Everything We Recommend: Top Carry-On Luggage Picks for Every Traveler

All recommended carry-on luggage models

After countless hours of testing and real-world travel experiences, we've curated a list of carry-on luggage that represents the best in class. Whether you prioritize value, durability, style, or specialized features, we have a top pick for you.

Top Pick for the Best Soft-Sided Carry-On: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Carry-On Spinner

Stylish traveler confidently wheeling a Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Carry-On Spinner

The Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Carry-On Spinner remains our undisputed champion for soft-sided carry-on luggage. For over a decade, this bag has consistently impressed us with its exceptional balance of size, value, reliability, and durability, all while boasting premium features typically found in much pricier luggage. Backed by a lifetime warranty that even covers airline damage, the Platinum Elite offers unparalleled peace of mind for frequent flyers.

• Key Features:
• Optimal Size and Capacity: Packs enough clothing for five days of travel within standard US carry-on dimensions.
• Premium Construction: Features smooth-rolling, replaceable MagnaTrac wheels, a robust telescoping handle, and a durable, stain-resistant nylon exterior.
• Exceptional Warranty: Lifetime warranty covering airline damage and shipping costs to repair facilities (registration required within 120 days of purchase).
• Smart Organizational Features: Includes tie-down straps, cinch-down panels, a removable garment bag, and multiple exterior pockets for easy access to essentials and a dedicated battery pocket with USB pass-through.

Buying Options:

• Amazon - Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Spinner - $365
• Travelpro - Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Spinner- $365

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Travelpro Platinum Elite 22" Carry-On Rollaboard: Enhanced Capacity and Wheel Durability

Robust wheels of the Travelpro Platinum Elite 22" Carry-On Rollaboard

For travelers who need a bit more packing space and prioritize wheel durability over spinner maneuverability, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 22" Carry-On Rollaboard is an excellent alternative. While it forgoes the four-wheel spinner design, this two-wheeled version offers a slightly larger capacity, a built-in garment folder, and larger, more rugged wheels designed to handle rougher terrains. It maintains the same premium quality and lifetime warranty as the 21" Spinner.

• Key Features:
• Increased Capacity: Offers slightly more packing space compared to the 21" Spinner.
• Durable Two-Wheel Design: Features larger, more robust wheels ideal for uneven surfaces.
• Built-in Garment Folder: Helps keep clothes wrinkle-free and organized.
• Lifetime Warranty: Unmatched coverage against airline damage and defects.

Buying Options:

• Amazon - Travelpro Platinum Elite 22" Rollaboard - $365
• Travelpro - Travelpro Platinum Elite 22" Rollaboard- $365

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Top Pick for the Best Hard-Sided Carry-On: Away The Carry-On

Sleek and modern Away The Carry-On suitcase

If you prefer the sleek aesthetics and robust protection of hard-sided luggage, the Away The Carry-On is our top recommendation. This stylish and resilient suitcase combines a great-looking design with top-of-the-line components, including remarkably smooth-rolling wheels that rival even our soft-sided favorites. While hard-sided luggage can be more prone to showing scratches, the Away Carry-On's durable polycarbonate shell has proven surprisingly resilient in our long-term testing.

• Key Features:
• Stylish and Durable Hard-Sided Design: Constructed from strong yet flexible polycarbonate with a scratch-resistant finish.
• Premium Components: Features high-quality YKK zippers, exceptionally smooth-rolling wheels, and a sturdy telescoping handle.
• Clamshell Design: Features a 50/50 split opening for organized packing.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty: Covers defects and component breakage, offering solid protection for your investment.

Buying Options:

• Away - The Carry-On - $275

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Away The Bigger Carry-On: Maximize Your Space (With a Potential Gate-Check Risk)

Carry-On and the slightly larger Away The Bigger Carry-On

For travelers who often push the limits of carry-on capacity, Away The Bigger Carry-On offers a slightly larger volume. While generally compliant with major airline carry-on size restrictions, its increased dimensions may lead to gate-checking on smaller regional planes. If maximizing packing space is your priority and you primarily fly on larger aircraft, this could be a worthwhile upgrade.

• Key Features:
• Increased Capacity: Provides more packing space than the standard Away The Carry-On.
• Same Premium Features: Retains the same high-quality components and design as the standard Carry-On.
• Potential Gate-Check Risk: May be subject to gate-checking on smaller aircraft due to its larger size.

Buying Options:

• Away - The Bigger Carry-On - $295

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Budget Pick: Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Carry-On Spinner

Cheerful traveler holding a lightweight Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Carry-On Spinner

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Carry-On Spinner proves that you don't have to break the bank for quality carry-on luggage. This remarkably affordable spinner offers exceptional value, packing many features of higher-priced bags into a lightweight and user-friendly design. While its warranty isn't as comprehensive as the Platinum Elite, the Maxlite 5 remains an outstanding budget-friendly option from a reputable brand.

• Key Features:
• Ultra-Lightweight Design: Significantly lighter than comparable bags, making it easy to lift and maneuver.
• Exceptional Value: Offers premium features at a remarkably affordable price point.
• Spinner Maneuverability: Four-wheel spinner system for effortless navigation.
• Reputable Brand Pedigree: Comes from Travelpro, the makers of our top soft-sided pick.

Buying Options:

• Amazon - Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Spinner - $144
• Travelpro - Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Spinner - $144

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Upgrade Pick for the Best Soft-Sided Carry-On: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" Carry-On Expandable Spinner

Sophisticated traveler pulling a Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" Carry-On Expandable Spinner

For frequent flyers who demand the absolute best and are willing to invest in top-tier quality, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" Carry-On Expandable Spinner is in a class of its own. This meticulously crafted carry-on boasts unparalleled build quality, an ingenious expansion and compression system, and a "buy-it-for-life" warranty that reflects its exceptional durability. Every detail, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant garment compartment, is engineered for peak performance and longevity.

• Key Features:
• Unrivaled Build Quality: Constructed with the highest quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship.
• Unique Expansion-Compression System: Maximizes packing capacity and efficiently compresses contents without creasing.
• Garment Folder Included: Built-in garment folder specifically designed for wrinkle-free packing of shirts and pants (Spinner version only).
• Lifetime "Simple as That®" Warranty: Covers all functional aspects of the bag, even airline damage, with a global network of repair centers and readily available replacement parts.

Buying Options:

• Briggs & Riley - Baseline Essential 22" Expandable Spinner - $699
• Briggs & Riley - Baseline Essential 22" 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On - $659

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Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On: Prioritizing Capacity and Ruggedness

Expandable feature of the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" 2-Wheel Carry-On

If you value increased capacity and larger, more durable wheels over spinner maneuverability, the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22" 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On offers the same exceptional quality and expansion system as the Spinner version but with a two-wheel design. This is an ideal choice for travelers who frequently navigate rough terrains or prefer the slightly larger packing space offered by two-wheeled models.

• Key Features:
• Increased Capacity (Two-Wheel Design): Offers maximum packing volume in a two-wheeled carry-on.
• Larger, More Durable Wheels: Enhanced wheel size for smoother rolling over uneven surfaces.
• Exceptional Expansion-Compression: Briggs & Riley's signature system for maximizing and securing packed contents.
• "Simple as That®" Warranty: Industry-leading lifetime warranty coverage.

Buying Options:

• Briggs & Riley - Baseline Essential 22" 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On - $659

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Upgrade Pick for the Best Hard-Sided Carry-On: Carl Friedrik The Carry-On

Luxurious Carl Friedrik The Carry-On suitcase with Italian leather accents

For discerning travelers who appreciate luxury and meticulous craftsmanship, the Carl Friedrik The Carry-On elevates the hard-sided carry-on experience. This stunning suitcase blends a sophisticated aesthetic with premium materials, including Italian leather accents and high-end Hinomoto wheels. Its standout feature is an aluminum frame with latch closures, replacing the traditional zipper and providing a uniquely secure and structured feel.

• Key Features:
• Luxurious Design and Materials: Combines polycarbonate, aluminum frame, and Italian leather accents for a sophisticated look and feel.
• Enhanced Security: Features an aluminum frame with latch closures for added security and structural integrity.
• Premium Components: Equipped with high-end Hinomoto wheels for exceptional rolling performance.
• Lifetime Warranty: Covers airline damage if not compensated by the airline within 14 days.

Buying Options:

• Carl Friedrik - The Carry-On - $545

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Best for Tough Conditions: Yeti Crossroads 35L Wheeled Luggage

Rugged Yeti Crossroads 35L Wheeled Luggage being dragged across rough terrain like gravel or uneven pavement

The Yeti Crossroads 35L Wheeled Luggage is built to withstand the most demanding travel environments. This hybrid design, blending a soft-sided top with a hard-sided polycarbonate back, is engineered for rough roads, broken streets, and encounters with curbs and uneven surfaces. While perhaps overkill for typical travel, it's the ultimate choice for adventurers and those who require maximum durability in their carry-on.

• Key Features:
• Hybrid Hard-Sided/Soft-Sided Design: Combines a polycarbonate back for impact resistance with a water-resistant nylon front for flexibility.
• Rugged Wheels: Extra-large, heavy-duty wheels designed to conquer rough terrains.
• Waterproof Zippers and Durable Materials: Built to withstand harsh weather conditions and demanding use.

Buying Options:

• Amazon - Yeti Crossroads 35L Wheeled Luggage - $350
• Yeti - Yeti Crossroads 35L Wheeled Luggage - $350

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Other Carry-On Luggage Worth Considering

Group of diverse carry-on luggage styles and brands arranged together

While our top picks represent the best in their respective categories, the carry-on luggage market is filled with worthy contenders. For those seeking alternatives or specific features, consider exploring brands like:

• Monos: Known for their minimalist and stylish hard-sided luggage.
• Rimowa: A luxury brand renowned for its iconic aluminum luggage and exceptional craftsmanship.
• Bric's Milano: Offers sophisticated Italian-designed luggage with a focus on elegance and functionality.
• Samsonite: A well-established brand with a wide range of carry-on options, often at more accessible price points.

Exploring reviews and considering your individual needs will help you discover the perfect carry-on companion, even beyond our curated top selections.

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What to Consider When Choosing Your Carry-On Luggage

Four-wheel spinner vs. two-wheel roller, hard-sided vs. soft-sided luggage, and a warranty badge

Selecting the right carry-on luggage involves more than just picking the prettiest bag. Consider these key factors to make an informed decision:

• Four Wheels or Two?: Spinner vs. Rollaboard Maneuverability
• Spinners (Four-Wheel): Offer effortless 360-degree maneuverability, gliding smoothly through tight spaces and airplane aisles. Ideal for smooth airport terminals.
• Rollaboards (Two-Wheel): More durable wheel construction, often with larger wheels that handle uneven surfaces better. Can be slightly more stable on inclines and may offer marginally more internal packing space.
• Hard-Sided or Soft-Sided: Durability vs. Aesthetics
• Hard-Sided Luggage: Often preferred for their modern aesthetics and protection of fragile contents. Can be more prone to scratching and may show wear more readily.
• Soft-Sided Luggage: Typically more durable overall, better at withstanding bumps and scrapes, and often feature external pockets for added convenience. May offer more flexibility in packing due to expandable designs.
• Warranty: Peace of Mind for Your Travel Investment
• Lifetime Warranties: Reputable brands often offer lifetime warranties that demonstrate confidence in their product quality and provide coverage against manufacturing defects and even airline damage. Investing in a bag with a strong warranty can save you money and stress in the long run.
• Size and Weight: Airline Compliance is Key
• Carry-On Size Restrictions: Always check the specific carry-on size and weight restrictions of the airlines you typically fly. Opt for bags that fall within these guidelines to avoid gate-checking hassles and extra fees.
• Lightweight Luggage: Consider the empty weight of the bag, especially if you struggle with lifting or want to maximize your packing capacity without exceeding weight limits.

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The Competition: Other Brands and Models We Evaluated

Diverse collection of carry-on luggage from various brands

While our top picks have emerged as leaders through rigorous testing and evaluation, it's important to acknowledge the breadth of the carry-on luggage market and recognize that excellent alternatives exist. The luggage industry is constantly evolving, with brands innovating and refining their designs.

Beyond our primary recommendations, here are a few specific competitor models and brands worth mentioning, along with reasons they might be considered (or why they didn't quite make our top selection):

• Monos Carry-On Pro: While Monos excels in minimalist design and offers a stylish aesthetic, their hard-sided carry-ons, including the Pro model, in our testing, haven't consistently outperformed Away in terms of scratch resistance and overall durability for the price. However, Monos often appeals to design-conscious travelers seeking a specific aesthetic and may offer attractive direct-to-consumer pricing.
• Rimowa Essential Cabin: The Rimowa Essential Cabin, while sharing a polycarbonate shell with Away, represents a significant price jump. While Rimowa offers a prestige brand and heritage, the functional performance benefits over Away in our testing haven't always justified the substantial price difference for most travelers. Rimowa is more of a luxury status symbol and heirloom investment than a purely performance-driven carry-on for the average traveler.
• Samsonite Omni PC Spinner: The Samsonite Omni PC Spinner is a popular and widely available hard-sided carry-on, often found at a more accessible price point than Away or Monos. While offering reasonable value for the money, the Omni PC in our testing hasn't matched the wheel smoothness, zipper quality, or overall durability of our top hard-sided pick, Away. Samsonite Omni PC is a solid budget-conscious hard-sided option, but compromises are made in component quality compared to premium choices.
• Calpak Ambeur Carry-On: Calpak is another brand that has gained traction for stylish hard-sided luggage at a mid-range price. The Ambeur Carry-On offers attractive designs and features like TSA-approved locks. However, in our testing, Calpak's durability and wheel performance haven't consistently reached the level of Away or Carl Friedrik. Calpak is a decent option for style-focused travelers on a mid-range budget, but long-term durability may be a consideration.
• Paravel Aviator Carry-On: Paravel luggage emphasizes sustainability and eco-conscious materials. The Aviator Carry-On is a soft-sided option constructed from recycled materials. While commendable for its sustainability focus, Paravel’s performance and durability in our testing haven't consistently outmatched our top soft-sided picks, Travelpro and Briggs & Riley, which also prioritize long-term durability. Paravel is a good choice for eco-conscious travelers who prioritize sustainable materials, but performance may be comparable to more established brands at similar price points.

These examples illustrate that while our top picks represent the current leaders in their categories, a diverse range of worthy competitors exists. The best carry-on for you will ultimately depend on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. Thorough research and consideration of various brands and models are always encouraged to ensure you find your perfect travel match.

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Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter, Pack Lighter, and Journey with Confidence

Traveler confidently walking through an airport

Choosing the right carry-on luggage is an investment in smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful travel experiences. After extensive testing and in-depth analysis, our recommendations are designed to guide you towards luggage that not only meets your practical needs but also enhances your overall journey.

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Key Takeaways to Remember When Selecting Your Carry-On:

• Prioritize Your Needs: Consider your typical travel style, frequency, destinations, and packing habits. Do you value lightweight maneuverability (spinners), rugged durability (rollaboards), hard-sided protection, soft-sided flexibility, budget-friendliness, or premium luxury? Align your choice with your most important priorities.
• Don't Underestimate Durability and Warranty: Luggage is subjected to considerable wear and tear. Investing in durable luggage with a strong warranty, especially a lifetime warranty covering airline damage, provides long-term value and peace of mind. It can save you money and frustration in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements or repair costs.
• Consider Wheel Type Wisely: Spinners offer effortless maneuverability on smooth surfaces, while rollaboards provide better durability and terrain versatility. Choose the wheel type that best suits your typical travel environments.
• Balance Style with Function: While aesthetics are important, prioritize functional features and durable construction over purely stylistic considerations. The best carry-on luggage combines both form and function, offering a visually appealing design that also performs reliably under the demands of travel.
• Research and Compare: Don't settle for the first bag you see. Take the time to research different brands, models, and features. Read reviews, compare specifications, and consider your individual needs to make an informed and confident decision.

By using this comprehensive guide and considering these key takeaways, you are well-equipped to select the perfect carry-on luggage to simplify your travels, protect your belongings, and journey with confidence, wherever your adventures may lead. Happy travels!